Security Tag Has This Shopper Seeing Red
Dear Fashion Police: I just bought a new red dress. When I got home from the store I noticed that the security tag--the kind with exploding ink--was still attached. The store is far away, and I didn’t have time to drive back, so I tried to remove the tag myself, and the ink splattered all over the dress. What should I do?
--RUINED
Dear Ruined: Here’s the first thing you should do: Promise that you’ll never be such a bonehead again and try to remove an exploding ink security tag. Why do you think they call them exploding ink security tags? This is one instance where you don’t get points for being enterprising. Sorry.
Sorry also to tell you that your dress is beyond repair. We’re not sure what kind of tag you encountered, but most of the inks used in those are permanent, nonwashable and non-dry cleanable, according to Stuart Seidel, president of Unisen, a Boca Raton, Fla.-based manufacturer of electronic surveillance products designed for retail stores.
“And actually,” he added, “the ink doesn’t really explode; it kind of dribbles out when the pin is forced and the glass ampuls [which hold the ink] break. It’s meant as a deterrent.
“Usually there are warning labels telling you not to tamper with it.”
Seidel said before trashing the dress you should call the store, explain what happened and see if they’ll refund your money or exchange the dress for a new one.
Dear Fashion Police: I have a major dilemma. I live in New Zealand, and my girlfriend from school who now lives in Los Angeles is getting married in November. She wants me to come to the wedding. But she is ultra-gorgeous and trendy, and I am not! I do not want to stick out like a country bumpkin from Down Under, but I don’t have any idea what to wear. How do I find out what the fashion there is going to be for fall and winter? Please help!
--WORRIED KIWI
Dear Worried: Don’t freak out; L.A. isn’t just the land of trendoids. Despite its reputation for being a bastion of hipness, the city does allow residents and visitors who don’t have tattoos, pierced tongues or drive cool cars. In fact, there are L.A. people who are positively nerdy.
We hope that eases your fears a bit. Remember this, too: Your friend has asked you to come thousands of miles to celebrate a special event, not to participate in a fashion show. We doubt every single one of her friends is on the cutting edge of style, and chances are no one will give you the old up-and-down glance or make snide comments about your appearance. Besides, your being a New Zealander will make you very exotic and cool.
While you’ll be heading into spring weather where you are, L.A.’s autumn will be in full swing, with cool temperatures most likely. General trends for fall include pared-down, refined clothes--slim sweaters, bias-cut skirts, simple jackets. On the flip side, collage is making a splash, with pieced items, such as jackets and coats, that are a jumble of color and texture.
Be careful not to overdo the glitz for evening, although daytime accessories tend to be bold and chunky. Turquoise jewelry is big with the Western/prairie look that’s popular this spring and will likely be around for fall. Full skirts, suede jackets, cowboy boots and peasant blouses are all part of the trend.
Before you start shopping we recommend you find out the time of the wedding, where it will take place and the level of formality. Those factors will make it easier for you to select an appropriate outfit. It won’t do you any good to buy into that prairie princess look if it’s a formal evening wedding. If you’re still not sure which way to skew your outfit, just keep it simple and elegant. And don’t forget tissues, in case you get a little teary.
From the Fashion Police Blotter: Summer is tote bag season. Hefty, durable totes are necessary accessories for schlepping beach stuff, fruits and vegetables from farmers markets, picnic paraphernalia, etc. We’ve always liked those basic canvas Boat and Tote bags from L.L. Bean, but now, in celebration of the company’s 90th anniversary, the company is offering design-your-own bags. Starting with an off-white, open top canvas body in sizes small to extra-large, customers can choose from eight solid colors and four patterns for the bottom of the bag and the handles. Choose from standard length or shoulder-length handles and several monogram styles. A personalized label can also be sewn inside. Prices range from $27 to $40 (monogramming is extra). For more information, call (800) 221-4221.
Write to Fashion Police, 202 W. 1st St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, fax to (213) 237-4888 or send e-mail to jeannine.stein@latimes.com.
